Got Resolutions? 5 Goal Setting Apps To Help You Achieve Yours!

Have you resolved to save more money? Eat healthier or lose weight? Even though many of us make New Year’s resolutions, US News & World Report says that 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. While that maybe true, there are ways to significantly improve your odds of success.

A study by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University in California found that writing down your goals contributes to a 42% increase in goal achievement over those with unwritten goals. When you add accountability to your goals (i.e. break down goals into actions, make a commitment to a friend and provide them with weekly progress reports) that increase in goal achievement jumps to 78%!

When you put your resolutions into one of these goal setting apps, you’re not only writing them down, you’re setting up accountability by breaking them down into actions and tracking your progress. Try one of these 5 goal setting apps and achieve your resolutions this year!

1. Strides

Available for iPhone
Strides is one of the more powerful and easy to use habit tracking and goal setting apps. Strides uses the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting method so you set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant & timely goals. Its four different trackers (Target, Habit, Average & Project) track different types of goals or habits. You can even create your own tracker.

It has reminders so that you don’t forget to complete the daily habits that lead to achieving your goals. The basic Strides app is free, but to get great features like unlimited trackers, tags & filters, today list and export data, you’ll need a subscription ($4.99/mo or $39.99/yr).

2. GoalsOnTrack

Available for iPhone, Android
GoalsOnTrack is one of the most robust goal setting apps and also uses the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting method. You can break your goals up into smaller chunks, break long term goals down into milestones or sub goals and organize them with your own categories.

GoalsOnTrack has a vision board tool where you can upload your own pictures and music to create an animated slide show for your visualization practice. It also has an integrated calendar and journal for creating an action plan, as well as an offline planner for printing.

To make consistent progress, nothing beats good habits that support your goal. GoalsOnTrack can help you build good habits and link them to support your goals. Membership is $68 per year.

3. LifeTick

Available for iPhone, Android and iPad
With LifeTick (another app that uses the S.M.A.R.T. method), you start by defining your core values from which you develop your goals. You then add tasks or steps to achieve that goal. This app provides an activity feed, creating a date-sequenced journal of all your goal related activities.

Unlike Strides and GoalsOnTrack, LifeTick allows you to ask others to view your progress towards your goals and can add comments to keep you motivated along the way. They have plans for individuals, business, and families.

If you want to try the service, the free version supports up to 4 goals. The paid version ($20/year) allows unlimited goals, the journal tools, and live stats widgets.

4. Habit List

Available for iPhone
This app helps you track your “streaks” – or how many times in a row you complete a habit. You create a flexible schedule for your habits that are done on specific days or intervals. Then Habit List shows you what’s due that day … no need to wade through your entire list. It helps you stay on track with reminders and shows you trends over time so you can see the bigger picture of your progress.

5. Irunurun

Available on iPhone and iPad
A performance and accountability platform for reoccurring behaviors, Irunurun makes goal setting fun by making the process of building new habits a game. Once you enter the action or habit you want to track, you assign it a point value.

The game begins once you’ve completed this process for all your habits or actions. You start off each week with zero points and then work to add points each day. You can earn a perfect score of 100 by doing each action at the appointed time.

To build an accountability team, you can invite your friends, family or colleagues to any action. This is one of the more fun goal setting apps!

Which of These Goal Setting Apps Is For You?

While you probably won’t find the perfect app that encompasses all your needs, any of these goal setting apps can help you improve your life and accomplish your most important goals.

Start by choosing one that fits your needs the best and experiment with it. Even if your first choice doesn’t quite fit your needs, it can help you narrow down the important factors. Whatever you decide to commit to, the important thing is to use the energy of the new year as an opportunity to make important changes for your health!